HC Deb 15 January 1990 vol 165 cc109-10W
Sir Trevor Skeet

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much money is spent annually on ultrasonic gallstone crushing equipment; and where in the south-east these machines are located.

Mr. Freeman

I have been asked to reply. Extra-corporeal shock wave lithotripters were used originally for treating kidney stones. With assistance from the Department of Health, Trent regional health authority is carrying out an evaluation of the use of a lithotripter in the treatment of gallstones.

We are aware of one lithotripter located within a National Health Service hospital in the south-east which might be used to treat gallstones. This is at St. Peter's hospital in London. There are also facilities at private sector hospitals.

We have no details of the prices paid for these machines, since these are confidential between the buyers and sellers.

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